The Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League's 30th anniversary season was memorable for so many reasons.

You can begin with the competitiveness of all seven teams.

First place wasn't decided until the final Thursday of the regular season schedule when the Red River Mudbugs defeated the Springfield Xtreme 5-3 in St. Jean.

Just 11 points separated the Mudbugs from the fifth place Lorette Comets.

The third place Steinbach Huskies finished just two points ahead of the fourth place St. Adolphe Hawks and four up on the Comets.

The bottom two teams, the Grunthal Red Wings and Mitchell Mohawks, held their own through out the season and in the playoffs.

The last memorable moment took place in Oakbank where the Xtreme won their first HTJHL championship when they shutout the Mudbugs 3-0 in game six of the final.

"We had two teams that never won a championship," said league President Ray Laing. "They both have been in the league for some time and both had been to the finals. We knew we were going to have a new champion and when it was all said and done, Springfield took it. They had six good games, close games, and lots of fans out. The atmosphere was great."

"The playoffs were very competitive," added Laing. "Mitchell took Springfield to the limit in the first round. Who knows what would have happened with a couple of more goals there. The Lorette - St. Adolphe series was one-goal games with two in overtime. I know it was three straight but it was the closest three straight I've seen."

Laing said the Hawks, under the guidance of manager Connor Forrester and coach Serge Lemoine, were a great addition to the league.

"They were excellent. They were in the middle of the pack for most of the season. In fact I think they were in first place at one point. Couple of young guys looking after that team and they were getting the fans out. They're an exciting group. We hope they'll be around for a long time."

As for the HTJHL expanding for the 31st season.

"Eight teams would be nice," said President Laing. "But right now we have seven solid teams and as far as we know, they'll all be back next year. Seven solid teams - we're happy."